They say Google is endless. We here at Clean Energy Authority aren't entirely sure who "They" are, but we're pretty sure Google has an end. We're also sure that wherever it is that Google ends is most definitely somewhere you don't want to be (Think the alley where Bruce Wayne's parents were shot). However, in our own endless quest to bring you the word on solar, we manage to overlook a few developments during the week. Here's our attempt to keep you up to date, informed, and away from that dark alley at the end of Google.  

The past week in solar saw a lot of crazy developments. California, for instance, kept on track to become the world leader in solar power, with the state approving what will be the world’s largest solar power plant when completed. In addition, companies, like A123 Systems have expanded their ability to produce important components of solar-power systems. And while The White House recently turned down an effort to put Jimmy Carter’s solar panels back on its roof last week, the future’s still looking bright for solar power. Here’s what we couldn’t keep up with last week:

1. Solar stocks continue to rise.

First Solar stocks jumped this week on news that Credit Suisse raised its price target from $150 to $160. Shares gained 73 percent in the most recent quarter, according to Bloomberg, for Chinese photovoltaic (PV) manufacturer Solarfun Holdings Inc. Bloomberg also reported that JA Solar Holdings and Renesola, both Chinese companies, are top performers in the solar sector.

2. U.N. hosted energy conference focused on clean energy

On Sept. 17, the United Nations hosted the High-Level Conference on Energy at the United Nations. The conference’s theme was “towards cleaner, more sustainable, more accessible energy.” It was held to develop ways that countries, governments and the private sector can work together on sustainable energy, like solar. Among the speakers was Dr. Shihab Kuran, President and CEO of Petra Solar. He spoke about shaping the future with solar energy. Presenters included United Nations luminaries and others from around the world.

3. Idaho Public Utilities Commission approves 20 megawatt avoided-cost PV project

Although projects qualifying for the avoided-cost rate are capped at 10 megawatts (MW), the commission allowed the Idaho Power Co. and Grand View Solar PV One a sales agreement. This is Idaho Power’s first agreement with a solar-power provider made under the PURPA law (Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978). Under the 20 year sales agreement, Grand View will be paid at a rate of $77.77 per MW hour produced in 2010. The amount will increase over time to $128.31 per MW hour produced in 2031.

4. Global PV shipments in 2010 to approach 17 gigawatts

Market research firm, IMS Research, on Sept. 16, predicted that total sales of PV systems throughout the world will exceed 16 gigawatts and reach almost 17 GWs—that’s more than double the 8 GWs of PV sold in 2009. However, IMS projected a cloudy 2011 as countries change their incentive structures for PV. IMS said the 2010 demand is “driven by strong demand in several European countries, most notably Germany, as well as North America and China.”

5. DARPA chooses Boeing to build unmanned PV plane capable of flying for five straight years

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) awarded Boeing $89 million to develop Vulture, an unmanned plane powered by PV that would remain aloft for up to five years, without replenishment. According to DARPA, Vulture would be “a re-taskable, persistent pseudo-satellite capability in an aircraft package.”